KNUST Students Lose Trust In Campus Security

The front of students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology appears divided over claims by authorities security has improved on campus.

It comes days after the university honoured Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kofi Boakye, for improved security in and around the university.

While the Student Representative Council hails the gesture, some members say there is no justification yet for such praise singing.

Armed robbery and other criminal activities at the KNUST and especially nearby hostels have become a major headache to both students and authorities.

Students say they have lost confidence in the university’s internal security set-up.

My checks reveal many are unfamiliar with university security hotlines.

They say it is unnecessary to keep such numbers because they hardly get the prompt response they need in times of distress when they are under attack by criminals.

Though they find solace in police, students say a lot needs to be done by the state security agency to guarantee their security.

Their fears heightened after five masked men robbed students of their valuables during Easter at Adwoa Akyaa Hostel, just on the outskirts of the main campus.

It happened just days after regional chief, DCOP Kofi Boakye, received plaudits from university authorities for improved security in and around campus.

Some students shared their opinions:

“It is as if we are not part of the university we those staying outside the main campus. They are doing their best but it is not enough.

“Everywhere outside the main campus is not safe. Some us, we have to work late into the night because of the kind of course we are doing. And anytime you are going back to your hostel, you got take dropping even with that it is not safe.

“We are really living in fear. The authorities should intensify the security and stop saying they have improved it,” some said passionately.

Student Representative Council President, Caleb Fugah, however, maintains the recent moves by police give students some hope.